Solar to power rural Filipino homes

More than 40,000 poor households without electricity in the Philippines are to be powered by solar energy.

The World Bank’s Global Partnership on Output-Based Aid (GPOBA) is providing $3 million (£2.3m), the European Union has granted $12.8 million (£9.8m) and an additional contribution is being made by the Department of Energy of the Philippines.

The project will target remote areas and isolated islands where marginalisation has increased by a lack of electricity, according to the World Bank.

A particular focus is the conflict-affected Mindanao where poverty is said to be disproportionately high and more than a quarter of people live without power.

Mara K. Warwick, World Bank Country Director for the Philippines said: “The certified solar packages will ensure not only lighting but will also provide households with energy efficient appliance packages including televisions, radios, phone chargers and fans.”